Vegetarian Cannelloni Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

If you’re seeking a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors and rich textures, look no further than this delightful vegetarian cannelloni recipe. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this dish showcases tender pasta tubes generously stuffed with a vibrant blend of vegetables, ricotta, and herbs.

The creamy tomato sauce and melted cheese topping add just the right amount of indulgence without overpowering the wholesome filling. Whether you’re a vegetarian veteran or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy classic Italian cuisine with a fresh, nutritious twist.

Beyond just taste, this recipe also offers versatility and ease, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or a weekend cook-up. Ready in under an hour, it’s approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Plus, you’ll love how the colorful veggies and aromatic herbs come together to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Let’s dive into how you can bring this wonderful dish to your table tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cannelloni recipe is a celebration of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and classic Italian flavors.

• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and protein from ricotta, it’s a balanced meal that nourishes without feeling heavy.
• Comfort food with a twist: The familiar cheesy pasta experience gets a vibrant upgrade with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini in the filling.
• Family-friendly: It’s a perfect way to get kids and picky eaters excited about veggies!
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Prepare in advance, freeze, and bake whenever you want a quick, wholesome dinner.
• Customizable: Adapt the filling with your favorite seasonal vegetables or swap in vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni tubes (dried or fresh)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (use vegan ricotta for dairy-free)
• 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or vegan mozzarella)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or vegan alternative)
• 2 cups tomato sauce (preferably homemade or store-bought marinara)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Spoon or piping bag for filling cannelloni tubes

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
3. Incorporate spinach and herbs: Add the chopped spinach, dried oregano, and basil. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix the filling: Transfer the cooked vegetables to a mixing bowl. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
5. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the cannelloni.
6. Fill the cannelloni tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the vegetable and ricotta mixture. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pasta.
7. Assemble the dish: Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes on top in a single layer.
8. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni, making sure each tube is well covered. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
10. Rest and garnish: Let the cannelloni rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer filling, add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the ricotta mixture.”

• Make it vegan: Swap ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Use the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to create a luscious dairy-free sauce.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to add roasted red peppers, eggplant, or carrots to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Herb variations: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be mixed in for different aromatic profiles.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to save time.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cannelloni or substitute with large gluten-free pasta sheets rolled around the filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian cannelloni pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad tossed with shaved Parmesan and pine nuts. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty Italian loaf also complements the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly.

For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. You can explore more vegetable-focused side dishes in our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or try a refreshing soup such as the Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Conclusion

Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening or looking for a stunning dish to serve at your next dinner party, this vegetarian cannelloni recipe is sure to impress. It combines wholesome vegetables, creamy ricotta, and rich tomato sauce into a classic Italian favorite made meat-free.

The balance of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or cheeses to make it your own.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious vegetarian options like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert, or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to pair with your meals.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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